Bridging the Enforcement Gap? Evaluating the Inquiry Procedure of the CEDAW Optional Protocol

Catherine O'Rourke

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Abstract

Considerable optimism accompanied the adoption of the CEDAW Optional Protocol. However, one of the Optional Protocol’s two enforcement measures, the inquiry procedure, appeared to languish for fourteen years. The CEDAW Committee’s publication of two inquiry reports in 2015 adds to the first inquiry report of 2005. The article evaluates the inquiry procedure, finding unmet expectations in addressing CEDAW’s structural weaknesses, countering the privileging of civil and political rights, and redressing state non-compliance with CEDAW. The findings vindicate the enduring salience of foundational feminist critiques of human rights. The Conclusion proposes measures to enhance the inquiry procedure’s efficacy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-30
JournalAmerican University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law
Volume27
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 28 Feb 2019

Keywords

  • CEDAW
  • Optional Protocol
  • inquiry procedure
  • enforcement
  • gender

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